Demand converges from AI infrastructure build-outs, green transition (GX), replacement of aging facilities, and grid digitalization
Global power market projected to grow 3.7% this year; Korea’s power equipment exports up 19.3% over the past four years
B2B meetings, ELECS Korea show visits, industrial tours, and on-site factory inspections aim to raise deal conversion potential
As global electricity demand accelerates amid the expansion of AI infrastructure, a new platform has been created to help Korean small and medium-sized power equipment companies broaden their overseas reach. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President Kang Kyung-sung) and the Korea Electrical Manufacturers Association (KOEMA, Chairman Koo Ja-kyun) said they will hold a “Power Industry Export Consultation Meeting” for two days starting February 4, alongside the “ELECS Korea 2026” exhibition at COEX in Seoul (February 4–6).
ELECS Korea is the country’s flagship exhibition for the electrical industry, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by KOEMA. For this year’s event, KOTRA has arranged visits by 35 overseas buyer companies and will run B2B export consultations with around 120 Korean firms. Visiting buyers will conduct one-on-one meetings based on pre-shared information, and will also tour the exhibition, join industrial site visits, and carry out factory inspections at selected Korean manufacturers.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand rose 3.3% year-on-year in 2025 and is projected to increase 3.7% in 2026, setting a new all-time high. Key drivers include surging power consumption by AI data centers in the United States, Europe, and Asia; replacement of aging grid infrastructure; national decarbonization policies that expand nuclear and renewable generation while reducing coal dependence; and broader electrification and automation across industries.
Korean manufacturers of power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment—such as distribution transformers, extra-high-voltage cables, and smart grid devices—have also seen an exceptional upswing in demand over recent years. As Korean technology gains recognition in advanced markets such as the U.S. and Europe, exports of Korean power industry equipment rose 19.3% over four years, from USD 13.81 billion in 2022 to USD 16.48 billion in 2025. (Source: KOEMA)
Kansai Electric Power, Japan’s second-largest power utility, visited Korea for the consultations, meeting with participating companies and touring production sites—signaling strong interest in Korean power equipment. Japan is pursuing grid modernization and an expanded renewable energy rollout under its Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, which is expected to widen market entry opportunities for Korean firms.
Buyers from the Global South—including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa—also joined in large numbers. From Egypt, Arab Contractors Company and Orascom Construction, both planning power plant development projects, met with Korean suppliers to source power generation equipment. Egypt has been drawing attention as an alternative investment destination, and interest has also been supported by the decision announced at the APEC leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju last November that the two countries will pursue a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Vietnam—one of Korea’s top three export and trading partners—sent seven companies to source industrial power equipment such as transformers, generators, switchgear, and cables. An official from a Vietnamese company that met with Korean transmission and distribution equipment firms said, “Vietnam is expanding its power infrastructure, and Korea has proven competitiveness in stable electricity supply. We hope to cooperate in areas where technical reliability is essential.”
KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung said Korea’s power industry has long been recognized for high quality across generation and transmission/distribution, but noted that exports have been concentrated among large corporations. “With global electricity demand rising sharply due to AI infrastructure expansion and the energy transition, we will actively support small and medium-sized power equipment companies in broadening their opportunities overseas,” he said.
